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Head-on Collisions

Head-On Crashes in Washington

When two vehicles speeding toward each other crash head to head, the force of the impact is twice as hard. Head-on crashes are more likely to result in fatalities and severe, life-changing injuries than any other types of car accident. Catastrophic injuries often seen in head-on collisions include traumatic brain injuries, injury to internal organs, spinal cord injuries, and fractures.

Head-on collisions make up only about 2 percent of motor vehicle accidents, but they cause roughly 10 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States.

Aside from the strength of the impact, more people are killed or suffer worse injuries than in some other accident types because the impact occurs where the driver and sometimes a passenger are sitting—in the front seat—which increases the likelihood of fatal or other catastrophic injuries.

What causes head-on collisions?

Head-on collisions occur most often when one vehicle strays from its lane across the center line into the lane of an oncoming vehicle. Another way they can happen is when a car is going the wrong way on a one-way street. Taking a curve at an excessive speed can also cause the car to end up in the wrong lane, and wet or icy road conditions may cause a car to skid into oncoming traffic. In many head-on crashes, one of the drivers is impaired in some way, whether by alcohol, illegal or prescription drugs, cell phone use or other distraction, or lack of sleep.

Compensation for damages in a Washington head-on crash

Anyone who has been injured, or the survivors of someone who has been killed in a head-on crash that was caused by the driver of another vehicle may make a claim for monetary compensation for losses stemming from the accident. Because of the severity of the injuries often associated with head-on collisions, victims often have astronomical medical bills. In many cases, medical treatment will continue far into the future.

If you have been the victim of a serious accident and have suffered severe injuries, you will often need a recovery that is adequate to cover the cost of long-term care. In any high-stakes accident, it is important to engage the services of a car accident lawyer with the expertise and experience to assist you in obtaining a sufficient settlement to cover the losses you and your family have incurred. If a member of your family was killed in a head-on crash, you may have a claim for wrongful death against the at-fault driver.

In Seattle, Washington, the go-to firm of car accident attorneys for head-on collisions is Wattel and York. We are dedicated to seeking justice on behalf of people whose lives have been torn apart by another driver’s wrongdoing. We are seasoned litigators willing to take your case before a jury if that is what is necessary to get the award you need and deserve.

Call us today to schedule your case analysis. This is a free service and no-obligation is involved. If your condition prevents you from coming to us, we’ll be happy to come to you. Hiring us does not require you to put any money down up front. We work on a contingency fee arrangement, and unless we win money for you, you owe us nothing.